APRIL 21, 2020 (TUESDAY)

TITLE: BIRTHRIGHT

TEXT: HEBREWS 12: 14 – 29 (A CALL TO LISTEN TO GOD)

THEME: HOW TO PROTECT OUR BIRTHRIGHT

When we accepted Jesus, we became God’s children and our names were written in heaven (vs 23). We
have come into an assembly where we see Jesus connect us to God through the shedding of His blood –
the ultimate proof of the FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS.

We are very lucky to be a part of this kingdom – a kingdom that remains forever (vs 28). For there will
come a time when EVERYTHING will be shaken and removed and only the unshakable things will remain
(vs 27). OUR KINGDOM WILL REMAIN for this kingdom we are in is reigned by a devouring fire (vs 29);
someone out of human control, someone we can’t dictate, and someone we can’t contain.

Therefore, in order not to vanish during the end times, let us do whatever it takes to remain in this
kingdom until the end of forever and spend our lives in heaven until eternity through PROTECTING OUR
BIRTHRIGHT – our salvation, privilege in the kingdom of heaven, and our title as God’s children, saved by
Christ.

WE CAN PROTECT OUR BIRTHRIGHT THROUGH:

1. LIVING IN HOLINESS (with in)

- vs 14 “… NOT HOLY… NOT SEE THE LORD…”

- sin blocks our relationship with God and blocks us from seeing Him seated in heaven when the day of
judgement comes. It also blocks us from entering into God’s presence with confidence here on earth.

- holiness is about being completely devoted to God. Loyal and faithful enough to be willing to sacrifice it
all for the sake of Him.

- therefore, let us live with no sin every single day.

- DO NOT LIVE INCONSISTENTLY; SINFUL TODAY, HOLY TOMORROW. THAT INCONSISTENCY IS CHEATING
YOU AND CHEATING ON GOD.

2. LIVING IN PEACE (with people)

- vs 14-15 “… living in peace with everyone… look after each other… watch out that no bitterness grows
to TROUBLE YOU, CORRUPTING MANY.”
- when we are cleansed inside through living in holiness, we are automatically cleansed outside. Living in
holiness is coupled by living in peace with others. Therefore, if WE ARE NOT IN PEACE WITH EVERYONE
HERE ON EARTH, SOMETHING IS WRONG IN OUR HEARTS.

- let us always be careful and let us not let bitterness grow in our hearts. Yes, we are not perfect and it is
not easy to love imperfect people. Yet, since we have been loved by God in this way, let us not hold back
in loving others the same way.

- bitterness comes from jealousy, misunderstanding, sin, etc. Also, this bitterness grows into grudges,
dissension and immorality if left unresolved.

- if our hearts keep bitterness within, then we will be constantly troubled by our thoughts and emotions.
This affects our behavior towards others. We might become GRUMPY, IMPATIENT, and WE MIGHT
RESOLVE TO GOSSIPING IN ORDER TO DESTROY THE ONES WE HATE.

- THEREFORE, DO NOT SLEEP WITHOUT FORGIVING EVERYONE. ASK THE HOLY SPIRIT TO FILL AND
CLEANSE YOUR HEART AGAIN. HIS FULL PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE WILL BRING YOU FULL HEALING.

3. LIVING IN HOLY FEAR (with God)

- vs 16, 17, 25, 28, 29 “ … who for a single meal, sold his inheritance right as the oldest son… it was too
late for repentance… for Israel did not escape when they refused to listen… since we are receiving a
Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping Him with holy fear and
awe. For GOD IS A DEVOURING FIRE.”

- without the fear of God, it is easy for us to cheat on God through sin. And it will also be easy for us to
sell our right as God’s children just for the fleeting pleasure of sin.

- let us not forget that even though out God is gracious, merciful, and loving, He is also a devouring fire.
He is a jealous God. And before he is our father, He is a holy God. Therefore, he will punish us for our
immorality though it is painful for him also.

- LET US NOT WAIT TO COME TO THE POINT OF REGRET WHERE IT WOULD BE TOO LATE. DO NOT SELL
YOUR BIRTHRIGHT! DO NOT PUT SIN IN YOUR DNA!

Now, let us protect our birthright through living in holiness, living in peace and living in holy fear. Let us
take precautions as we work with the holy spirit every day!